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Hawaii Pacific University will become the first college in the state to offer surfing as a sport next spring, according to a news release from the school Wednesday.
The Sharks will compete in the National Scholastic Surfing Association, which has college teams from California, Florida, the Carolinas and Utah. Notable programs include California, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and Point Loma.
“This is a historic moment for HPU Athletics and for surfing in Hawaii,” HPU executive director of athletics Debbie Snell said. “Modern surfing was born here, and until now our own athletes have had to leave home to compete at the college level.”
College surfing teams carry eight roster spots for competition: four men’s shortboard, two women’s shortboard, one men’s longboard and one women’s longboard. Shortboarders may enter either division.
The Sharks will primarily compete in Hawaii.